WQI.web​qualityindex

Accessibility

WCAG 2.1 Level A

The minimum-viable baseline of the regulation-cited WCAG version. Same warning as Level A in 2.2 — failing it means basic usability is broken.

Authority
W3C
Version
2.1
Jurisdiction
Global
Source
w3.org
Last reviewed
2026-04-28
Last verified
pending

What it is

The lowest of three conformance levels in WCAG 2.1. Captures the most fundamental requirements that, if missed, leave assistive-tech users locked out entirely.

Why it matters

Nobody targets Level A as a goal — but a few EU procurement docs reference it for narrow product categories. Mostly relevant as an early-warning signal on the path to AA.

Who it applies to

Applies wherever a regulation explicitly cites WCAG 2.1 Level A.

How WQI scores it

Web Quality Index considers this standard satisfied when all of the 4 supporting factors pass.

# Factor Status
54 Image alt text coverage planned
55 Heading hierarchy validity planned
57 ARIA labels presence and validity planned
58 Skip-to-content link planned

0 of 4 supporting factors are currently collected. Sites where the remaining 4 haven't been measured will show as partial or unknown on this standard until the data lands.

Related standards

Superseded by
WCAG AA
See also
WCAG 2.1 AA , WCAG A

Standards that share factors with this one

Auto-computed from overlapping factor tickets in satisfiedBy, excluding standards already listed under "See also" above. Strong overlap suggests these standards rise and fall together when sites are scored.

Other references